27 November 2025
GOLD COAST CONNECT – MELBOURNE & SYDNEY: MARCH 2026
After an incredibly positive response from this year’s recent Gold Coast Connect events, we are excited to announce that both events will return in March 2026. Expressions of Interest will open soon for Melbourne and Sydney so keep your eyes on your inbox for an official update to be communicated directly via email.
These flagship networking events are designed to help our business events partners grow their client base, strengthen industry relationships, and showcase the collaborative energy that makes the Gold Coast a leading destination for events.
Next year’s events will take place at two premium city venues over the following dates:
- Gold Coast Connect, Melbourne: Wednesday 11th March 2026
- Gold Coast Connect, Sydney: Thursday 12th March 2026
* EOIs will be reviewed, prioritising partners who registered interest for this year’s event but did not receive a place. Spaces are limited. Eligible Business Events partners for FY26 are invited to submit an EOI.
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS AND CONVENTION ASSOCIATION (ICCA) CONGRESS, PORTO: 9 - 12 NOVEMBER
Two weeks ago, Brooke attended the 64th International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress in Porto. This is the global industry conference by which over 20 suppliers from Australia attending along with over 1500 delegates from 80 countries. The running theme was charting the course for business events.
Over three days, the congress included keynote speakers and breakout sessions covering: Future Leadership and Resilience, Sustainability and Impact, Innovation and Tech, Creative Edge and Start Up and Purpose.
The program allows for workshops, chapter meetings and roundtable discussions to listen and connect on global trends.
Some great insights and learnings particularly on association bids, destination economy and AI with Events.
BUSINESS EVENTS AUSTRALIA RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Tourism Australia's dedicated Business Events Australia team undertakes research that helps the Australian business events industry optimise their products and messages to best reach the international target customer. Also offering insights on international markets, including the latest trends and information that can help Australian industry develop their marketing and distribution approach. See more here: Research and Insights - Business Events - Tourism Australia
T20 CRICKET BE FAMIL SPARKS LONG TERM OPPORTUNITIES
The Gold Coast recently hosted a four-day T20 Cricket Famil Program, designed to showcase the destination as a world-class choice for incentive travel.
With the support of 18 incredible partners who helped us bring the famil to life, the program offered guests from the Indian market an unforgettable Gold Coast experience. While the cricket match was a highlight — complete with meet-and-greets with Australian players — the real success came from the connections made throughout the event.
The famil provided the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships and highlight the Gold Coast’s unique blend of business and lifestyle. Guests eagerly shared their experiences across social media, amplifying the region’s reach and reinforcing its appeal as a top incentive destination.
More than just a sporting experience, the famil demonstrated the power of collaboration and the Gold Coast’s ability to create memorable, relationship-driven experiences that leave a lasting impression.
TRADE ACTIVITY CALENDAR FOR FY26
- Australia Next, Melbourne: 1-3 December
- ABEA Conference 2025, Melbourne: 4-5 December
- Australia Next Post Famil, Gold Coast: 4-7 December
- Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCOA) Conference 2025, Christchurch: 7-9 December
UNIQUELY GOLD COAST
CLIENT NEWSLETTER
We’re excited to share that we have a refreshed edition of our client newsletter Uniquely Gold Coast — a quarterly connection to all things Gold Coast. From local supplier updates and inspiring city stories to thought leadership and insightful case studies, our newsletter is designed to keep clients informed and engaged.
If you have any new products, services, or case studies you'd like us to feature, please send them our way — we’d love to include them in an upcoming issue.
QUICK SNIPPETS
EXPERT GUIDE TO GOLD COAST BUSINESS EVENTS
The Experience Gold Coast Meeting Planners Guide provides you with an overview of the region, including information on venues, accommodation, attractions and the specialist services available to help you plan your event.
VIEW THE 13 NOV 2025 BUSINESS EVENTS UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.